Via Francigena

April  2024

Southbound

– Lucca to Rome, Italy –

About The Via Francigena

The Via Francigena is a 2,000-kilometer medieval pilgrimage route from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. In many ways, it is similar to the Camino de Santiago, but it has its own unique flair, language, and culture. Pilgrims walking the Via Francigena carry a passport (or ‘credenziale’), which is used to acquire stamps documenting their journey. And once they reach the Vatican, pilgrims can also apply for a certificate (or testimonium) to celebrate walking 100+ kilometers on the route. 

Due to its length, many modern pilgrims only complete a portion of the Via Francigena. The most popular section is the final 400 kilometers through Tuscany, beginning in Lucca, Italy, and ending in Rome/Vatican City. This is the route I intend to follow in April 2025. This year is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, which is a time for reconciliation, forgiveness, and renewal. 

Stay tuned as I post my daily trail journal from the Via Francigena – along with my packing list and some additional random thoughts about this wonderful springtime pilgrimage through Italy.

Trail Journal

Resources